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[Bernoulli]

iOS 17.2 seems ready to allow alternative app stores​

iOS 17.2 has a new public framework called “Managed App Distribution.” While our first thought was that this API would be related to MDM solutions for installing enterprise apps (which is already possible on iOS), it seems that Apple has been working on something more significant than that.

By analyzing the new API, we’ve learned that it has an extension endpoint declared in the system, which means that other apps can create extensions of this type. Digging even further, we found a new, unused entitlement that will give third-party apps permission to install other apps. In other words, this would allow developers to create their own app stores.

The API has basic controls for downloading, installing, and even updating apps from external sources. It can also check whether an app is compatible with a specific device or iOS version, which the App Store already does. Again, this could easily be used to modernize MDM solutions, but here’s another thing.

We also found references to a region lock in this API, which suggests that Apple could restrict it to specific countries. This wouldn’t make sense for MDM solutions, but it does make sense for enabling sideloading in particular countries only when required by authorities – such as in the European Union.

iOS 17.2 hints at sideloading apps from outside the App Store

Apple has been under pressure in the European Union as the Digital Markets Act antitrust legislation requires the company to...

9to5mac.com

 

[Skifi28]

Yurop can't stop winning.

 

[Bry0]

Region lock? How very apple.

 

[Bernoulli]

Region lock? How very apple.

the US can follow and force them there

 

[dorkimoe]

the US can follow and force them there

yeah right. The people who would make those rules cant agree on anything

 

[sankt-Antonio]

What are apps I would want as a EU iPhone user?

 

[Bernoulli]

What are apps I would want as a EU iPhone user?

any emulator, adblockers games removed from the app store

 

[Spukc]

oh dear lord just got my iphone 15 pro in EU ready to defile it with nintendo smut

 

[YeulEmeralda]

Yurop can't stop winning.

 

[Spukc]

get the fuck out with that bullshit boy every fucking European knows Eurovision is the true international anthem

 

[RoboFu]

This would be a HUGE deal in the enterprise sector more than anyone else.

 

[tommib]

Ready for iOS Dolphin.

 

[CrankyJay™]

Dumb question incoming. What is the point of sideloading apps? Would this be for personal or business-only use that you wouldn't want on an app-store for public consumption? Or apps that breaks the TOS of an app store?

 

[Celcius]

Does this mean anyone would be able to create an app for iPhone even if it’s not on the App Store?

 

[tommib]

Dumb question incoming. What is the point of sideloading apps? Would this be for personal or business-only use that you wouldn't want on an app-store for public consumption? Or apps that breaks the TOS of an app store?

Emulators.

 

[CrankyJay™]

Does this mean anyone would be able to create an app for iPhone even if it’s not on the App Store?

This is sort of what I'm hoping, in case I ever want to dick around with .NET Maui or Xamarin

 

[StereoVsn]

This would be a HUGE deal in the enterprise sector more than anyone else.

I am still kind of convinced this is for Enterprise MDM vs opening up iOS for EU. Think that’s going to come in later toward the summer.

 

[Tiamat2san]

Can’t wait to have a real xbox game pass , x-cloud and a store in one and only one app.

 

[theHFIC]

Dumb question incoming. What is the point of sideloading apps? Would this be for personal or business-only use that you wouldn't want on an app-store for public consumption? Or apps that breaks the TOS of an app store?

If it is anything like the current Jailbreak scene it's small utilities that unlock or add features to iOS that Apple wouldn't normally allow on the app store, emulators, and piracy through cracked iOS .ipa apps. I am guessing an increase in malicious apps that masquerade as something different once the sideloading becomes more acceptable.

 

[Bernoulli]

Dumb question incoming. What is the point of sideloading apps? Would this be for personal or business-only use that you wouldn't want on an app-store for public consumption? Or apps that breaks the TOS of an app store?

like windows and MACos , the best apps that you download are sideloaded, no one goes to the Microsoft store or Mac store